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Yusuf v. Tjia: Landmark Human-Trafficking Verdict

Situation

An Indonesian businessman brought a woman to Los Angeles, where the businessman’s son and daughter-in-law put her to work as a domestic. According to the woman and evidence presented at trial, the son and his wife confiscated her passport, withheld pay, required her to work 16-hour days, and never permitted her to leave the house. She was subjected to verbal abuse, psychological coercion and told to lie to law enforcement.

A jury in Los Angeles Superior Court awarded $768,000, including $500,000 in punitive damages, to the victim, who brought suit under California’s civil human trafficking statute. The verdict is believed to be the first case adjudicated under the California Trafficking Victims Protection Act.

Action

Purpose of FolFry’s involvement was to publicize the groundbreaking verdict, to increase awareness of Bet Tzedek’s impact-litigation work, and to stimulate financial contributions and volunteerism.

FolFry worked closely with client Bet Tzedek and O’Melveny & Myers to develop key message points about the decision.